Philadelphia Phillies: 6 Players Who Could Start at Third Base in 2012

After a “shocking” defeat at the hands of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Philadelphia Phillies find themselves vacationing early this offseason. There are many questions that general manager Rubén Amaro Jr. will have to examine in the coming months. Obviously an early exit in the playoffs was not in the “cards,” if I am permitted a pun.

Amaro will have several decisions to make in regards to free agency, including third base. I would like to inspect the third base position of this team, currently occupied by Placido Polanco. 

Polanco is coming off an injury-riddled season that has some fans speculating if Polanco’s time is up in Philadelphia. The 36 year old third basemen had a less than stellar regular season, and an even worse postseason. 

Is it time for a change at third base for the Philadelphia Phillies? 

Let’s take a look at our options.

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Philadelphia Phillies Playoffs 2011: Time To Use the Panic Meter

Winter has officially come early in Philadelphia as the Phillies’ bats have gone ice cold.  Suddenly the powerhouse of the National League is looking similar to the team that lost to San Francisco last year in the playoffs. 

However, is it really time to panic? 

Sure, the Phillies have strung a few losses in a row, but they did clinch home field throughout the playoffs. 

The only way to get to the bottom of this is to whip out our “Panic Meter” and conclude if it very well is time to panic or if we should just sit back and await the playoffs.

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Philadelphia Phillies: Why a Few Losses Are Exactly What the Phillies Need

The Philadelphia Phillies are one game away from clinching a playoff spot.  They have just dropped two games in a row, and this is a good thing.  There is no way they are going to miss the playoffs.  In fact, they are going to be the unquestioned No. 1 seed of the National League. 

So what do a few losses mean right now?

A loss ensures that the Phillies do not become complacent going into the playoffs.  They are the best team in the league, but in a short series, anything can happen.  They need to be reminded of this. 

The 2011 Philadelphia Phillies have all the pieces in place to win the World Series.  The only team that can truly beat them are themselves.  The focus of this team must remain unwavering.

In Philadelphia, we enjoy being the underdog.  Though no one in the country believe the Phils are underdogs, they must remain humble and motivated.  The two losses they have suffered recently are exactly what they need remind themselves that they can still lose.  Realizing this now can do wonders to refocus everyone in the locker room.

Last year, the Philadelphia Phillies had a golden road paved to the World Series.  They were being hyped to be the first team since the 1998-2001 New York Yankees to make three straight World Series. 

San Francisco had other plans.

I understand the Phillies need to clinch as quickly as possible so they can rest their players.  September has and will continue to be a very grueling schedule for them.  The time to clinch will come, but now is the time for them to be reminded that even the best teams can lose. 

Charlie Manuel will have plenty of time to rest players later in the month.  Most likely the team will lose a few of those games, but it will be expected.  I would rather see the Phillies lose a few right now and regroup instead of coasting into the playoffs unchallenged. 

I am not suggesting that the Philadelphia Phillies have gotten lazy.  In fact, a loss or two right now will ensure they never get lazy, and to me, that is why two losses in a row is a good thing.  It will keep them on their toes and force them focus on the big picture.

Since the Atlanta Braves refuse to win and push the Phillies in a divisional race, the Phillies will need to push themselves.  The only way to do this is lose now, refocus and go into the playoffs more determined than ever.

 

Thank you for the support and feedback on my first article.  It has been great to interact with the readers and be a part of the Bleacher Report family.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter @ClassicJoeyMac.

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Philadelphia Phillies: 6 Bold Predictions for the Phils’ 2011 Postseason

With less than a month to go, the Philadelphia Phillies are in cruise control.  There is no way they miss the playoffs at this point, so let us look forward and concentrate on what should be a very exciting playoff picture.

I present to you my “Six Bold Predictions for the Philadelphia Phillies’ 2011 Postseason.”

I am smart enough to realize that a “bold prediction” today does not necessarily equate to an absolute truth.  Anything is possible though.

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